Recommended Plants

[ohioreef]

I have a small 90g preformed pond. I am having issues with "green water." I realize that this is algae. I have a couple lilies in there, but they don't keep up.

What kind of plants would be recommended for me to use? The pond is on the east side of my house so by late afternoon it is shaded.

[wayne]

I would try some hyacinth, lettuce, hornwort, maybe some reeds (more of a 'grassy' type plant).  The more water surface that is covered, the less sunlight that gets in to cause algae problems.  I've read that uv filters can help, but I've never tried one.

I usually (like now) have a slight algae build up until I can get some lettuce and hyacinth to cover the surface.  Shortly after, the water stays clear (for me).

Wayne

[Joel]

It is not un common to have algae issues in the spring. There isn't much competing with the algae right now. As it warms up and you get other plants in there, they normally will out compete the algae.

Adding a UV sterilizer will get rid of green water pretty quick too. YOu don't need a large one, 15 watts or so.

I might have a couple used one's laying around if you want one cheap.

[ohioreef]

Yeah, Joel, let me know if you've got an used UV laying around.

[Joel]

I'll look in the morning when I get there...

[scott wilson]

Getting a bio filter going with beneficial bacteria will help compete.  I have a pond that I am sure the previous owner got from wale world.  Looks just like there 90 gal kits.  I added a bio ball filter with the fountain pump in it and upsized the pump.  Yes it is a pain having to clean weakly. After adding it and the following product my green water went away.
http://www.microbeliftstore.com/home/ml1/page_5_7/microbelift_pl_16oz.html
I used microb lift PL to seed this filter and after 1 year of green water it cleared it up in 6 weeks.  Of course I added a filter also so I can not give either full credit.  I am now working on the string algae. 

Does anyone have experience with the sludge away product made by this company.  I have a large tree leaf and seed pod problem. 
http://www.microbeliftstore.com/home/ml1/page_20/sludge_away__32oz.html

I know once it gets warm getting good plant coverage will help fight off the algae.  I only have 4 goldfish so I should not have a bio load problem.

[ohioreef]

Scott, what size pump are you using? My pond came with a 600gph pump but it has died so I need to get a new pump and wasn't sure what size I should go with.

[scott wilson]

I am not sure.  I got it at homedepot.  It was a pump fountin kit.  basiclly it was recomended for a larget pond than I have so I know I was "UP" sizing it but it feeds a fountain and waterfall so that is part of the reason for go larger.

[ohioreef]

Hmmm....I saw those at HD. They had 2 different sizes. May just have to go get one.

[Joel]

If you really want go cheap, I have bought pumps at Harbor Freight.

I bought a pump that moved 600 or so gph on sale for nine bucks!!!!

Still working well

[micki]

What's harbor freight?

[Joel]

Man, what a woman question


It's only the biggest tool store in town.

I can go there for hours and drool...

[micki]

Man, what a woman question


It's only the biggest tool store in town.

I can go there for hours and drool...

Man!  I feel like a woman!    Okkkk so it must be in Centerville?

[scott wilson]

If you really want go cheap, I have bought pumps at Harbor Freight.

I bought a pump that moved 600 or so gph on sale for nine bucks!!!!

Still working well

that is good to know

[Joel]

THere is a harbor Freight on Lyons Rd at the Dayton Mall and on Needmore Rd  at Dixie.

www.harborfreight.com

[micki]

Cool!  Thanks for the info! 

[ohioreef]

THere is a harbor Freight on Lyons Rd at the Dayton Mall and on Needmore Rd  at Dixie.

www.harborfreight.com

Cool!! Might have to check that out!!